On-leadHard
Timaru Loop Walk
Timaru · Canterbury · Loop
↑ 100 m gain↓ 100 m descenthigh 101 msteepest 5 %
DISTANCE26.1 km
ASCENT100 m
DURATION6–6.5 hr
STEEPEST5 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 10
DOG EFFORT3.3 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch
03 366 1052
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
Beach swimLake swimRiver swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogPaw-friendly sealed surfaceCattle grid on route
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Timaru Loop Walk
This full-day track follows 26.1 km as a loop, near Timaru in Canterbury.
Expect hard going, with around 100 m of climb, pitching up to 5 % at its steepest, and takes about 6–6.5 hr to walk.
Along the way there are beach walking, lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 10 reviews.